DNA on beer can leads to man’s arrest in Worcester

Friday

Feb 15, 2013 at 6:00 AMFeb 15, 2013 at 3:04 PM

By Steven H. Foskett Jr. TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

A cracked-open beer can helped police crack the case of a break-in last summer on Maywood Street.

Lawrence Leighton, 52, of 5 Silver St., was arrested Wednesday and charged with breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony and larceny of property valued at more than $250, in connection with a break-in June 23, 2012, at a Maywood Street home.

According to police, the victims told police they found a half-full can of beer at the time that did not belong to them. It was taken as evidence, and members of the Crime Scene Unit tested it for potential DNA residue.

On Jan. 24 of this year, investigators were informed by the state police crime laboratory that the DNA evidence from the beer matched Mr. Leighton, police said. Police revisited the victims from the Maywood Street break-in, who said they did not know Mr. Leighton. Investigators also obtained video footage, with help from Clark University police, which captured Mr. Leighton near the apartment on the day of the break-in, according to police.

Police said they located Mr. Leighton Tuesday. He agreed to come to police headquarters on Wednesday. Based on the evidence, and information provided by Mr. Leighton, he was arrested.

A laptop computer and other electronics and cash were stolen in the break-in, according to police.

Using DNA evidence is generally perceived to be reserved for more serious criminal investigations, but Police Chief Gary J. Gemme said in a telephone interview Thursday that if officers come across evidence with possible DNA that might help advance a case, they will submit it to the state police crime lab.

The problem is that once it gets to the lab, it’s prioritized along with serious crimes, and that causes delays, the chief said. That is one reason he said he wants to expand his department’s own crime lab to eventually include DNA testing, which would speed up the turnaround time. He said he also envisions the possibility of doing testing for other departments as a way to generate revenue.

“It has been very successful having that DNA testing available,” Chief Gemme said.

He also noted that in this case, investigators did not rely solely on DNA to make the arrest — they re-interviewed victims, reviewed the Clark video, and interviewed Mr. Leighton. Chief Gemme said surveillance cameras at homes, colleges and businesses have been tremendously effective in investigations.

He said this was a good arrest because with break-ins, it’s not usually just one house — the suspects could be responsible for “mini crime waves.”

“It sends a great message — we will investigate, and even if it takes six months or eight months, we will file a criminal complaint,” the chief said.